Public figures must be able to face criticism: SC tells Jaya

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rebuked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for using criminal defamation cases against critics of her government.

According to a report, the court re-issued notice to Jaya on a petition alleging misuse of the defamation law. The SC reportedly told Jayalalithaa that as a public figure, she must be able to “face criticism”.

“No other state misuses the state machinery like Tamil Nadu government. Defamation cases can’t be slapped for merely reporting on the chief minister’s health condition,” the apex court said. Earlier in July this year, the court slammed the AIADMK supremo on the defamation issue.

The SC said that a government cannot use “state machinery to file defamation cases against political opponents”. The scathing observations were made while the court was hearing a petition filed by MDMK chief A Vijaykanth.

The Tamil Nadu CM is infamous for her relentless defamation cases against political rivals, journalists, activists – anyone who dares to criticise her government. As per a report, she has filed close to 200 such cases.